Bottle protector

ABSTRACT

A bottle protector for use in shipping bottles such as wine bottles or the like. The bottle protector includes a tri-fold bottom member which embraces the lower ends of the bottles positioned therein and a tri-fold top member which embraces the upper ends of the bottles positioned therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a bottle protector for use in shipping bottles such as wine bottles or other types of bottles. More particularly, this invention may be used to protect one or more bottles during the shipment thereof. Even more particularly, this invention relates to a pair of tri-fold protector members which protect the upper and lower portions of the bottles being shipped.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bottles containing liquids such as wine, chemicals, etc. are frequently shipped in boxes and may be broken during shipment. Many attempts have been previously made to protect such bottles during shipping such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,911,300 and 6,702,115 and in Published Application Nos. 2003/0070951 and 2004/0031711. Although the prior art bottle protectors provide some protection to the bottles during shipment, it is believed that the instant invention provides greater protection to the bottles during shipment, is easier to use, is less costly, and more versatile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A bottle protector is disclosed for protecting bottles during shipment thereof. The protector of this invention includes a tri-fold bottom member and a tri-fold top member. Although the bottle protector may be designed to protect a single bottle or a plurality of bottles, this summary and the description of the preferred embodiment will describe a two-bottle protector. The bottom member includes a horizontally disposed lower base portion having a first end edge, a second side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. A first fold line is formed in the upper surface of the lower base portion inwardly of the first end edge which extends between the first and second side edges thereof in a parallel relationship to the first end edge. A second fold line is formed in the upper surface of the lower base portion inwardly of the second end edge which extends between the first and second sides thereof with the second fold line being parallel to the second end edge. The distance between the first end edge and a first fold line is equal to the distance between the second end edge and the second fold line. The distance between the first and second fold lines is greater than the distance between the end edges and the fold lines to create a first support segment between the first end edge and the first fold line, a second support segment between the first and second fold lines, and a third support segment between the second fold line and the second end edge.

The first support segment has an upstanding support which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses formed therein. The second support segment has an upstanding support which has two circular recesses formed therein. The third support segment has an upstanding support which has two semi-circular recesses formed therein. Each of circular recesses in the second support segment is adapted to receive the base of a bottle therein. The first support segment is selectively foldable between first and second positions. The first support segment when in the first position is disposed in the same plane as the second support segment. The first support segment, when in its second position, is disposed at a right angle with respect to the second support segment with the semi-circular recesses of the first support segment embracing the sides of the bottles in the circular recesses of the second support segment.

The third support segment is selectively foldable between first and second positions. The third support segment, when in its first position, is disposed in the same plane as the second support segment. The third support segment when in its second position is disposed at a right angle with respect to the second support member with the semi-circular recesses of the third support segment embracing the sides of the bottles in the circular recesses of the second support segment.

The top member has a horizontally disposed upper base portion which has a first end edge, a first side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. A first fold line is formed in the lower surface of the upper base portion inwardly of the first end edge thereof which extends between the first and second side edges thereof with the first fold line of the upper base portion being parallel to the first end edge thereof. A second fold line is formed in the lower surface of the upper base portion inwardly of the second end edge which extends between the first and second side edges thereof with the second fold line of the upper base portion being parallel to the second end edge thereof. The distance between the first end edge and the first fold line of the upper base portion is equal to the distance between the second end edge and the second fold line of the upper base portion. The distance between the first and second fold lines of the upper base portion is greater than the distance between the end edges and the fold lines thereof to create a first support segment between the first end edge and the first fold line thereof, a second support segment between the first and second fold lines of the upper base portion, and a third support segment between the second fold line and the second end edge thereof.

The first support segment of the upper base portion has a downwardly extending support which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses formed therein. The second support segment of the upper base portion has a downwardly extending support which has two circular recesses formed therein. The third support segment of the upper base portion has a downwardly extending support which has two semi-circular recesses formed therein. Each of the circular recesses in the second support segment is adapted to receive the upper end of the neck of a bottle therein. The first support segment of the upper base portion is selectively foldable between first and second positions. The first support segment of the upper base portion, when in its first position, is disposed in the same plane as the second support segment thereof. The first support segment of the upper base portion, when in its second position, is disposed at a right angle with respect to the second support segment thereof with the semi-circular recesses of the first support segment embracing a portion of the necks of the bottles positioned in the circular recesses of the second support segment of the bottom member. The third support segment of the upper base portion is selectively foldable between first and second positions. The third support segment of the upper base portion, when in the first position, is disposed in the same plane as the second support segment thereof. The third support segment of the upper base portion, when in its second position, is disposed at a right angle with respect to the second support segment thereof with the semi-circular recesses of the third support segment of the upper base portion embracing a portion of the necks of the bottles positioned in the circular recesses of the second support segment of the bottom member.

In the preferred embodiment, the bottom and top members are comprised of a plastic material and have strengthening means formed therein.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved bottle protector.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bottle protector which may be used to protect one or more bottles during shipment.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bottle protector of the type described which comprises tri-fold top and bottom members.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bottle protector which is economical of manufacture and durable in use.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top and bottom members of the bottle protector of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the top and bottom members of the bottle protector of this invention in their folded position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating bottles placed in the bottom member with the upper ends of the bottles being received by the circular recesses in the top member prior to the top and bottom members being moved to their folded position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 except that the top and bottom members have been folded to their operative positions; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view illustrating the manner in which the top and bottom members are folded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

The bottle protector or protector of this invention is referred to generally by the reference numeral 10. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate that the protector 10 is designed to accommodate two bottles. It should be noted that the protector 10 may be designed to accommodate a single bottle or a plurality of bottles. The two bottle protector 10 of FIGS. 1-4 will be described in detail.

Protector 10 includes a tri-fold lower or bottom member 12 and a tri-fold upper or top member 14. Bottom member 12 is comprised of plastic and includes a base portion 16 having a first end edge 18, a first side edge 20, a second end edge 22, a second side edge 24, an upper side 26 and a lower side 28. The upper side 26 of base portion 16 has an indented first fold line 30 formed therein which extends between side edges 20 and 24 inwardly of end edge 18, as seen in FIG. 1. Fold line 30 is parallel to end edge 18. The upper side 26 of base portion 16 has an indented second fold line 32 formed therein inwardly of end edge 22 which extends between side edges 20 and 24, as seen in FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 1, fold line 32 is parallel to end edge 22. The distance between end edge 18 and fold line 30 is equal to the distance between end edge 22 and fold line 32. The distance between fold lines 30 and 32 is greater than the distance between the end edges 18, 22 and fold lines 30 and 32. The fold lines 30 and 32 form or create first, second and third support segments 34, 36 and 38 respectively.

Support segment 34 includes an upstanding support 40 which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses 42 and 44 formed therein, each of which are adapted to receive a portion of the base of a bottle therein. The support segment 34 is selectively foldable between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position (FIG. 2). The support segment 34, when in its first position of FIG. 1 is disposed in the same plane as support segment 36. The support segment 34, when in its second position of FIG. 2, is disposed at a right angle with respect to support segment 36.

The support segment 36 has an upstanding support 46 which has two spaced-apart circular recesses 48 and 50 formed therein, each of which are adapted to receive the lower ends of a bottle therein. Support segment 38 includes an upstanding support 52 which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses 54 and 56 formed therein, each of which is adapted to receive a portion of the base of a bottle therein.

The support segment 38 is selectively foldable between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position (FIG. 2). The support segment 38, when in its first position of FIG. 1, is disposed in the same plane as support segment 36. The support segment 38, when in its second position of FIG. 2, is disposed at a right angle with respect to support segment 36.

It is important to note that the inner side 58 of support 40 of support segment 34 is shaped so as to be complimentary in shape to the side 60 of support 46 so that sides 58 and 60 are in engagement with each other when support segment 34 is folded to its second position of FIG. 2. It is also important to note that the inner side 62 of support 52 of support segment 38 is shaped so as to be complimentary in shape to the side 64 of support 46 so that sides 62 and 64 are in engagement with each other when support segment 38 is folded to its second position of FIG. 2.

Side 58 of support 40 has a plurality of spaced-apart recesses 66 extending downwardly thereinto for strengthening purposes. Side 60 of support segment 36 also has strengthening recesses 68 extending downwardly thereinto. Similarly, side 64 of support segment 36 has strengthening recesses 70 extending downwardly thereinto. The inner side 62 of support segment 38 also has strengthening recesses 72 extending downwardly thereinto.

Top member 14 of protector 10 will be described in the inverted position of FIG. 3 for placement on the upper ends of the bottles which are placed in recesses 48 and 50 of support segment 36.

Top member 14 is comprised of plastic and includes a base portion 74 having a first end edge 76, a first side edge 78, a second end edge 80, a second side edge 82, an upper side 84 and a lower side 86. The lower side 86 of base portion 74 has an indented first fold line 88 formed therein which extends between side edges 78 and 82 inwardly of end edge 76, as seen in FIG. 1. Fold line 88 is parallel to end edge 76. The lower side 86 of base portion 74 has an indented second fold line 90 formed therein which extends between side edges 78 and 82 inwardly of end edge 80, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. As seen in FIG. 1, fold line 90 is parallel to end edge 80.

The distance between end edge 76 and fold line 88 is equal to the distance between end edge 80 and fold line 90. The distance between fold lines 88 and 90 is greater than the distance between the end edges 76, 80 and fold lines 88 and 90. The fold lines 88 and 90 form or create first, second and third support segments 92, 94 and 96 respectively.

Support segment 92 is selectively foldable between a first position (FIGS. 1 and 3) and a second position (FIG. 2). The support segment 92, when in its first position of FIGS. 1 and 3, is disposed in the same plane as support segment 94. The support segment 92, when in its second position of FIG. 2, is disposed at a right angle with respect to support segment 94. Support segment 96 is selectively foldable between a first position (FIG. 1) to a second position (FIGS. 2 and 4). The support segment 96, when in its first position, is disposed in the same plane as support segment 94. The support segment 96, when in its second position of FIGS. 2 and 4, is disposed at a right angle with respect to support segment 94.

Support segment 92 includes a downwardly extending support 98 which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses 100 and 102 formed therein, each of which are adapted to receive the neck of a bottle therein. The support segment 94 includes a downwardly extending support 104 which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses 106 and 108 formed therein, each of which is adapted to receive the upper end of a bottle therein. Support segment 96 includes a downwardly extending support 110 which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses 112 and 114 formed therein, each of which are adapted to receive the neck of a bottle therein.

It is important to note that the inner side 116 of support 98 of support segment 92 is shaped so as to be complimentary in shape to the side 118 of support 104 so that sides 116 and 118 are in engagement with each other when support segment 92 is folded to its second position of FIG. 2. It is also important to note that the inner side 120 of support 110 of support segment 96 is shaped so as to be complimentary in shape to the side 122 of support 104 of support segment 94 so that sides 120 and 122 are in engagement with each other when support segment 96 is folded to its second position of FIG. 2.

Side 116 of support 98 has a plurality of spaced-apart recesses or plugs 124 extending downwardly thereinto for strengthening purposes. Side 118 of support 104 also has strengthening recesses or plugs 126 extending downwardly thereinto. Side 122 has strengthening recesses or plugs 128 extending downwardly thereinto. Side 120 of support 110 also has strengthening recesses or plugs 130 formed therein. For purposes of description, the numerals 132 and 134 designate bottles which are to be protected during shipment or handling.

Bottom member 12 is placed on a supporting surface so that the lower side or base portion 16 is resting thereon. The lower end of bottle 132 is placed in the circular recess 48 and the lower end of bottle 134 is placed in the circular recess 50. Support segment 34 is then folded from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 2, about fold line 30, so that the semi-circular recesses 42 and 44 embrace a side portion of the body of the bottles 132 and 134 respectively. Support segment 38 is then folded from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 2 about fold line 32, so that the semi-circular recesses 54 and 56 embrace a side portion of the body of the bottles 132 and 134 respectively.

Top member 14 is then placed on top of the bottles 132 and 134 so that the recesses 106 and 108 receive the necks of the bottles 132 and 134 respectively. Support segment 92 is then foldably moved from the position of FIG. 3, about fold line 88 to the position of FIG. 4 so that the semi-circular recesses 100 and 102 embrace a portion of the necks of bottles 132 and 134 respectively. Support segment 96 is then foldably moved from the position of FIG. 3, about fold line 50, to the position of FIGS. 2 and 4 so that the semi-circular recesses 112 and 114 embrace a portion of the necks of bottles 132 and 134 respectively.

The bottles 132 and 134 with the top member 14 and the bottom member 12 mounted thereon are then placed in a shipping box. Depending on the size of the shipping box, other protected bottles may be placed in the shipping box.

The protector of this invention may be designed to accommodate a single bottle or a plurality of bottles such as a three-pack, a four-pack, a six-pack, or a 12-pack.

The tri-fold top and bottom members 12 and 14 protect the bottles during shipment to reduce the possibility of breakage of the bottles during shipment. Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A bottle protector, comprising: a bottom member comprising: a horizontally disposed lower base portion having a first end edge, a first side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first fold line formed in said upper surface of said lower base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said first fold line being parallel to said first end edge and spaced therefrom; a second fold line formed in said upper surface of said lower base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said second fold line being parallel to said second end edge and spaced therefrom; the distance between said first end edge and said first fold line being equal to the distance between said second end edge and said second fold line; the distance between said first and second fold lines being greater than the distance between said end edges and said fold lines to create a first support segment between said first end edge and said first fold line, a second support segment between said first and second fold lines, and a third support segment between said second fold line and said second end edge; said first support segment having an upstanding support which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses formed therein; said second support segment having an upstanding support which has two circular recesses formed therein; said third support segment having an upstanding support which has two semi-circular recesses formed therein; each of said circular recesses in said second support segment adapted to receive the base of a bottle therein; said first support segment being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said first support segment when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment; said first support segment when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment with said semi-circular recesses of said first support segment embracing the sides of the bottles in said circular recesses of said second support segment; said third support segment being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said third support segment when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment; said third support segment when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support member with said semi-circular recesses of said third support segment embracing the sides of the bottles in said circular recesses of said second support segment; a top member comprising: a horizontally disposed upper base portion having a first end edge, a first side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first fold line formed in said lower surface of said upper base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said first fold line of said upper base portion being parallel to first end edge thereof and spaced therefrom; a second fold line formed in said lower surface of said upper base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said second fold line of said upper base portion being parallel to said second end edge thereof and spaced therefrom; the distance between said first end edge and said first fold line of said upper base portion being equal to the distance between said second end edge and said second fold line of said upper base portion; the distance between said first and second fold lines of said upper base portion being greater than the distance between said end edges and said fold lines thereof to create a first support segment between said first end edge and said first fold line thereof, a second support segment between said first and second fold lines of said upper base portion, and a third support segment between said second fold line and said second end edge thereof; said first support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has two spaced-apart semi-circular recesses formed therein; said second support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has two circular recesses formed therein; said third support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has two semi-circular recesses formed therein; each of said circular recesses in said second support segment adapted to receive the upper end of the neck of a bottle therein; said first support segment of said upper base portion being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said first support segment of said upper base portion when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment thereof; said first support segment of said upper base portion when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment thereof with said semi-circular recesses of said first support segment embracing a portion of the necks of the bottles positioned in the circular recesses of the second support segment of said bottom member; said third support segment of said upper base portion being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said third support segment of said upper base portion when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment thereof; said third support segment of said upper base portion when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment thereof with said semi-circular recesses of said third support segment of said upper base portion embracing a portion of the necks of the bottles positioned in the circular recesses of the second support segment of said bottom member.
 2. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein said bottom and top members are comprised of a plastic material.
 3. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein the bottles are wine bottles.
 4. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein each of said bottom members and said top members has strengthening means formed therein.
 5. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein said upstanding support of said first support segment of said bottom member includes a vertically disposed outer Wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said first support segment of said bottom member.
 6. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein said upstanding support of said third support segment of said bottom member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said third support segment of said bottom member.
 7. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein said downwardly extending support of said first support segment of said top member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said third support segment thereof.
 8. The bottle protector of claim 1 wherein said downwardly extending support of said third support segment of said top member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said third support segment thereof.
 9. A bottle protector, comprising: a bottom member comprising: a horizontally disposed lower base portion having a first end edge, a first side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first fold line formed in said upper surface of said lower base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said first fold line being parallel to said first end edge and spaced therefrom; a second fold line formed in said upper surface of said lower base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said second fold line being parallel to said second end edge and spaced therefrom; the distance between said first end edge and said first fold line being equal to the distance between said second end edge and said second fold line; the distance between said first and second fold lines being greater than the distance between said end edges and said fold lines to create a first support segment between said first end edge and said first fold line, a second support segment between said first and second fold lines, and a third support segment between said second fold line and said second end edge; said first support segment having an upstanding support which has a semi-circular recess formed therein; said second support segment having an upstanding support which has a circular recess formed therein; said third support segment having an upstanding support which has a semi-circular recess formed therein; said circular recess in said second support segment adapted to receive the base of a bottle therein; said first support segment being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said first support segment when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment; said first support segment when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment with said semi-circular recess of said first support segment embracing the side of the bottle in said circular recess of said second support segment; said third support segment being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said third support segment when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment; said third support segment when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support member with said semi-circular recess of said third support segment embracing the side of the bottle in said circular recess of said second support segment; a top member comprising: a horizontally disposed upper base portion having a first end edge, a first side edge; a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first fold line formed in said lower surface of said upper base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said first fold line of said upper base portion being parallel to first end edge thereof and spaced therefrom; a second fold line formed in said lower surface of said upper base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said second fold line of said upper base portion being parallel to said second end edge thereof and spaced therefrom; the distance between said first end edge and said first fold line of said upper base portion being equal to the distance between said second end edge and said second fold line of said upper base portion; the distance between said first and second fold lines of said upper base portion being greater than the distance between said end edges and said fold lines thereof to create a first support segment between said first end edge and said first fold line thereof, a second support segment between said first and second fold lines of said upper base portion, and a third support segment between said second fold line and said second end edge thereof; said first support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has a semi-circular recess formed therein; said second support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has a circular recess formed therein; said third support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has a semi-circular recess formed therein; said circular recess in said second support segment adapted to receive the upper end of the neck of a bottle therein; said first support segment of said upper base portion being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said first support segment of said upper base portion when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment thereof; said first support segment of said upper base portion when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment thereof with said semi-circular recess of said first support segment embracing a portion of the neck of the bottle positioned in the circular recess of the second support segment of said bottom member; said third support segment of said upper base portion being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said third support segment of said upper base portion when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment thereof; said third support segment of said upper base portion when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment thereof with said semi-circular recess of said third support segment of said upper base portion embracing a portion of the neck of the bottle positioned in the circular recess of the second support segment of said bottom member.
 10. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein said bottom and top members are comprised of a plastic material.
 11. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein the bottle is a wine bottle.
 12. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein each of said bottom members and said top members has strengthening means formed therein.
 13. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein said upstanding support of said first support segment of said bottom member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recess thereof is formed in said top wall of said first support segment of said bottom member.
 14. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein said upstanding support of said third support segment of said bottom member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recess thereof is formed in said top wall of said third support segment of said bottom member.
 15. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein said downwardly extending support of said first support segment of said top member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recess thereof is formed in said top wall of said third support segment thereof.
 16. The bottle protector of claim 9 wherein said downwardly extending support of said third support segment of said top member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recess thereof is formed in said top wall of said third support segment thereof.
 17. A bottle protector, comprising: a bottom member comprising: a horizontally disposed lower base portion having a first end edge, a first side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first fold line formed in said upper surface of said lower base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said first fold line being parallel to said first end edge and spaced therefrom; a second fold line formed in said upper surface of said lower base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said second fold line being parallel to said second end edge and spaced therefrom; the distance between said first end edge and said first fold line being equal to the distance between said second end edge and said second fold line; the distance between said first and second fold lines being greater than the distance between said end edges and said fold lines to create a first support segment between said first end edge and said first fold line, a second support segment between said first and second fold lines, and a third support segment between said second fold line and said second end edge; said first support segment having an upstanding support which has a plurality of spaced-apart semi-circular recesses formed therein; said second support segment having an upstanding support which has a plurality of circular recesses formed therein; said third support segment having an upstanding support which has a plurality of semi-circular recesses formed therein; each of said circular recesses in said second support segment adapted to receive the base of a bottle therein; said first support segment being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said first support segment when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment; said first support segment when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment with said semi-circular recesses of said first support segment embracing the sides of the bottles in said circular recesses of said second support segment; said third support segment being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said third support segment when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment; said third support segment when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support member with said semi-circular recesses of said third support segment embracing the sides of the bottles in said circular recesses of said second support segment; a top member comprising: a horizontally disposed upper base portion having a first end edge, a first side edge, a second end edge, a second side edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first fold line formed in said lower surface of said upper base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said first fold line of said upper base portion being parallel to first end edge thereof and spaced therefrom; a second fold line formed in said lower surface of said upper base portion which extends between said first and second side edges thereof; said second fold line of said upper base portion being parallel to said second end edge thereof and spaced therefrom; the distance between said first end edge and said first fold line of said upper base portion being equal to the distance between said second end edge and said second fold line of said upper base portion; the distance between said first and second fold lines of said upper base portion being greater than the distance between said end edges and said fold lines thereof to create a first support segment between said first end edge and said first fold line thereof, a second support segment between said first and second fold lines of said upper base portion, and a third support segment between said second fold line and said second end edge thereof; said first support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has a plurality of spaced-apart semi-circular recesses formed therein; said second support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has a plurality of circular recesses formed therein; said third support segment of said upper base portion having a downwardly extending support which has a plurality of semi-circular recesses formed therein; each of said circular recesses in said second support segment adapted to receive the upper end of the neck of a bottle therein; said first support segment of said upper base portion being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said first support segment of said upper base portion when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment thereof; said first support segment of said upper base portion when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment thereof with said semi-circular recesses of said first support segment embracing a portion of the necks of the bottles positioned in the circular recesses of the second support segment of said bottom member; said third support segment of said upper base portion being selectively foldable between first and second positions; said third support segment of said upper base portion when in said first position being disposed in the same plane as said second support segment thereof; said third support segment of said upper base portion when in said second position being disposed at a right angle with respect to said second support segment thereof with said semi-circular recesses of said third support segment of said upper base portion embracing a portion of the necks of the bottles positioned in the circular recesses of the second support segment of said bottom member.
 18. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein said bottom and top members are comprised of a plastic material.
 19. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein the bottles are wine bottles.
 20. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein each of said bottom members and said top members has strengthening means formed therein.
 21. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein said upstanding support of said first support segment of said bottom member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said first support segment of said bottom member.
 22. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein said upstanding support of said third support segment of said bottom member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said third support segment of said bottom member.
 23. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein said downwardly extending support of said first support segment of said top member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said third support segment thereof.
 24. The bottle protector of claim 17 wherein said downwardly extending support of said third support segment of said top member includes a vertically disposed outer wall, a top wall, and an inclined inner wall and wherein said semi-circular recesses thereof are formed in said top wall of said third support segment thereof. 